J.J. McCarthy Reacts to Being Named Giants QB1 Over Winston After Leading Comeback Bid vs. Saints

J.J. McCarthy reacted to being named the New York Giants' starting quarterback over Jameis Winston on Wednesday.

McCarthy told reporters that he was honored but "not surprised."

"Experience does wonders," he added.

The Giants sent a 2027 fifth-round draft pick to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for McCarthy during a Sept. 28 trade.

He initially sat behind Winston on New York's depth chart, but received an opportunity against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.

While the Giants trailed 34-10 in the fourth quarter before McCarthy entered the contest, he helped them cut the deficit to 34-27. New York also had an opportunity to tie the game on its final drive, but failed to convert on fourth down in the Saints' red zone.

▶️Full Saints-Giants Recap

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McCarthy finished 11-of-21 for 243 yards and one touchdown to go along with one interception in the fourth. He also rushed for 26 yards.

The 23-year-old will become the Giants' third starting quarterback this season, as Winston previously stepped in after Jaxson Dart suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 2.

McCarthy was initially selected by the Vikings with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, but wasn't able to live up to his draft status.

He missed his rookie season due to a torn meniscus before completing just 57.6 percent of his passes for 1,632 yards and 11 touchdowns compared to 12 interceptions in 10 appearances during his 2025 campaign.

Kyler Murray eventually beat out McCarthy for the Vikings' starting quarterback role in training camp this year.

Now, McCarthy will get ready to face a Houston Texans defense that ranks No. 27 among all teams by allowing 246.0 passing yards per game this season.

Kickoff between New York and Houston is on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.